Bloomington Public Schools District 87

Today, we join the nation in celebrating Juneteenth, the day that marks the end of slavery in the United States. It’s a day of Recognition, Restoration, and Celebration that holds a special significance for us as we strive to create a more just and equitable society. In observance of Juneteenth, all District 87 buildings will be closed, but come visit us at the Juneteenth Celebration in Miller Park this Saturday! Let's work together to build a better future for all- Happy Juneteenth! 🎉🎊🎉 #CelebrateFreedom #WeAreD87

🌟 Welcome to Sheridan, Kierra Massey! 🌟 As part of our summer series introducing new staff, we’re excited to welcome Kierra Massey as a social worker at Sheridan! Last year, Kierra was completing her master’s degree at Illinois State University, and she chose D87 because of our strong dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that aligns deeply with her values as an advocate. Kierra is looking forward to creating lasting impacts on her students—and cherishing the impact they’ll have on her. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her Australian Shepherd, Prince, visiting her two wonderful nieces, and exploring the world through travel. 👏 Let’s give her a warm D87 welcome! #WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87 ¡Bienvenida a Sheridan, Kierra Massey! Como parte de nuestra serie de verano para presentar a nuestro nuevo personal, ¡nos complace dar la bienvenida a Kierra Massey como trabajadora social en la escuela Sheridan! El año pasado, Kierra cursaba su maestría en la Universidad Estatal de Illinois y eligió el Distrito Escolar 87 debido a nuestra fuerte dedicación a fomentar un entorno de apoyo e inclusión que se alinee profundamente con sus valores como defensora. Kierra anhela crear un impacto duradero en sus estudiantes y valorar el impacto que estos tendrán en ella. Fuera del trabajo, le encanta pasar tiempo con su perro pastor australiano, Prince; visitar a sus dos maravillosas sobrinas; y explorar el mundo viajando. ¡Démosle una cálida bienvenida al D87! #bienvenidaalD87 #SomosD87

⚽️🎉 Attention soccer fans- are you ready for some soccer? 🌟 BHS is excited to host an international soccer game this Friday at 7:30 PM as Peoria City takes on Atlas FC from Mexico. It's going to be a fantastic night of professional-level soccer right on our doorstep. 🎟️ Ticket Information: Starting at $10- https://www.gofevo.com/event/CopaJune20Atlas Special Offer for D87 Family: All D87 staff and students can enjoy one free admission with a valid D87 ID. Let's fill the stands with cheers and make it a night to remember! Don't miss out on the action and grab your tickets! 🌍⚽️💫 #BHSSoccerNight #InternationalSoccer #PeoriaCityVsAtlasFC #WeAreD87

🌟 BJHS 7th and 8th Graders Explore Washington D.C.! 🌟 The BJHS 7th and 8th graders just got back from an exciting educational trip to Washington D.C.! They had an amazing time exploring the history and sights of our capital. 🇺🇸🎒 ✨ Highlights from the trip included: 🔹 A tram ride through Arlington National Cemetery 🔹 Visiting historic landmarks and monuments 🔹 Touring museums filled with fascinating exhibits 🔹 A scenic dinner cruise down the Potomac This trip was not only about learning; it was also about having fun and creating lasting memories - it was an amazing opportunity and we can't wait to hear all their stories! 🌟 #BJHSExplorers #DCTrip2025 #EducationalAdventure #WeAreD87

🌟 Happy Father's Day from D87! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the incredible fathers and father figures in our community and beyond. Whether you're a dad, stepdad, granddad, uncle, mentor, or play a fatherly role, your love, guidance, and support shape the futures of those you care for. To all the amazing dads and father figures out there, D87 thanks you for everything you do! Happy Father's Day! 💙✨ #HappyFathersDay #WeAreD87

🌟 Huge Shoutout to BHS Alum James Ingold – BHS grad and Hall of Famer & St. Jude Hero! 🌟 D87 is more than excited to honor James Ingold, BHS Class of '81 & 2023 BHS Hall of Fame Inductee, for his extraordinary service to St. Jude! Named the 2025 St. Jude Volunteer of the Year in Memphis, TN, this honor highlights his commitment and dedication to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Through tireless volunteer efforts and leading fundraising campaigns, James has raised an incredible $2.7 million to support St. Jude’s mission. In his own words, “This honor is a reflection of our collective spirit of giving. Huge thanks to everyone for backing my journey!” A heartfelt congratulations on your incredible accolade, James- you are a true inspiration and we couldn't be prouder! 🎉 #StJudeHero #MakingADifference #WeAreD87

🚨 Skyward Update Incoming! 🚨 Starting Friday, June 13 at 5 PM, Skyward will be temporarily offline until July 1st as we migrate to its newest platform, Skyward Qmlativ! This upgraded version promises a more user-friendly and efficient experience—just in time for registration! 📅 Mark your calendars: Registration for the 2025-26 school year opens on July 1st when Qmlativ goes live. Get ready to enjoy the improved process!

🌞 BHS Students Shine in Summer Leadership! ✨ A round of applause for some dedicated BHS students who spent their day yesterday at the Regional Office of Education crafting a vision for BHS's future! They thought about what they want BHS to stand for and a plan for how to get there. With trainer Ami Flammini's guidance, they've set their "North Star" and are mapping out the journey to get there. Special thanks to Mr. Moore, Mrs. Brady, Ms. Grathoff, and Miss Waddell for supporting our future leaders. We can't wait to see the positive change they'll bring to BHS and are excited for the work they will do! #StudentLeaders #SummerLearning #WeAreD87

🌞 BHS Students Shine in Summer Leadership! ✨ A round of applause for some dedicated BHS students who spent their day yesterday at the Regional Office of Education crafting a vision for BHS's future! They thought about what they want BHS to stand for and a plan for how to get there. With trainer Ami Flammini's guidance, they've set their "North Star" and are mapping out the journey to get there. Special thanks to Mr. Moore, Mrs. Brady, Ms. Grathoff, and Miss Waddell for supporting our future leaders. We can't wait to see the positive change they'll bring to BHS and are excited for the work they will do! #StudentLeaders #SummerLearning #WeAreD87

🎓 Attention all BHS Class of 2025 Graduates! 🎉 Your diplomas are now ready for pickup! Please ensure all fees have been paid, and all borrowed items, including Chromebooks, chargers, and cap & gowns, are returned. Also, your graduation pictures captured by Inter-State Studios are available and waiting for you in the main office at BHS. Head to BHS to get everything sorted and start your next chapter with your diploma in hand! 🌟 Atención, graduados de la Generación 2025 de BHS! ¡Sus diplomas ya están listos para recoger! Antes de recogerlos, por favor, asegúrense de haber pagado todas las cuotas y de haber devuelto todos los artículos prestados, incluyendo Chromebooks, cargadores y togas y birretes. Además, sus fotos de graduación tomadas por Inter-State Studios están disponibles y los esperan en la oficina principal de BHS. ¡Vayan a BHS para organizar todo y comenzar su nuevo capítulo con su diploma en mano!

🌟Beginning this summer, we’re excited to start introducing the amazing new staff members joining the D87 team for the 2025/26 school year! First up, we’re thrilled to welcome Becky Fredrick, who will be joining Irving as an LBS1 (special education) teacher! Last year, she thrived as the Student Support Coordinator at Judah Christian School and is now excited to make a difference in D87 alongside an amazing team. Becky is looking forward to meeting her new students and co-workers, and when she’s not in the classroom, she loves exercising, spending time with friends, and soaking up the sun at the beach every summer. 👏 Let’s give her a big D87 welcome! #WelcomeToD87 #WeAreD87 🌟¡A partir de este verano, nos emociona presentar a los increíbles nuevos miembros del personal que se unirán al equipo del Distrito escolar 87 para el año escolar 2025-2026! En primer lugar, nos complace dar la bienvenida a Becky Fredrick, quien se unirá a la escuela Irving como maestra de LBS1 (educación especial). El año pasado, brilló como coordinadora de apoyo estudiantil en la Escuela Cristiana Judah y ahora está emocionada de marcar la diferencia en el D87 junto a un equipo increíble. Becky está deseando conocer a sus nuevos estudiantes y compañeros de trabajo, y cuando no está en clase, le encanta hacer ejercicio, pasar tiempo con sus amigos y disfrutar del sol en la playa cada verano. 👏 ¡Démosle una gran bienvenida al D87! #bienvenidaalD87 #SomosD87

🌞Today kicked off the first day of D87 summer programming! Both staff and students hit the ground running and are off to a stellar start!📚🎉 Here’s to a great beginning and even greater days ahead, filled with learning, growth, and of course, lots of fun! 🌟 #D87SummerProgram #SummerLearning #WeAreD87 ¡Hoy comenzó el primer día del programa de verano del D87! Tanto el personal como los estudiantes comenzaron con mucha energía y ¡han tenido un comienzo estelar! 📚🎉 ¡Por un gran comienzo y días aún mejores por delante, llenos de aprendizaje, crecimiento y, por supuesto, mucha diversión! 🌟 #programadeveranoD87 #aprendizajedeverano #SomosD87

📣 D87 is Hiring for the 2025/26 School Year! 📚✨ Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of students? District 87 is looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team! Some anticipated positions include: 🩺 Classroom Nurses 🤝 Paraprofessionals 🍎 Food Service Workers Looking for flexibility? 👉 Apply now as a Substitute Teacher and be ready to step in this fall! 🌐 Check out our employment page for a full list of opportunities available here: https://www.applitrack.com/district87/onlineapp/default.aspx #D87Careers #WeAreHiring #MakeADifference #WeAreD87

🎉 Celebrating Leslie Hanson, Class of 2025 Retiree! 🎉 Leslie Hanson has been a pillar of support for D87, serving as the Director of Student Services since 2014. In this role, she oversaw special education programming, speech, OT/PT, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and more, while also acting as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and Youth in Care Point of Contact. Leslie’s path in education began as a Special Education Teacher (LBSI) in Peoria District 150, inspired by her summers working at camps for students with disabilities. She progressed through roles such as Teacher Leader/Coach, Early Learning Coordinator, Principal, and many others. Her career milestones include earning a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Administration, plus an Endorsement in Director of Special Education, from ISU. Reflecting on her time in D87, Leslie shares: 🌟 “I’m proud of the students, families, and staff I’ve supported — and grateful for the dedication of our amazing staff to ensure ALL students have meaningful opportunities to learn in their own way and time.” In retirement, Leslie is excited to spend time with her 7 grandchildren— and she might even try her hand at wrapping presents at Von Maur during Christmas! 💡 Parting advice: “Always listen... and treat others the way you wish to be treated.” Thank you, Leslie, for your incredible contributions to D87. We wish you a retirement filled with joy, family, and fun new adventures! 🌟

🎒📚 The halls of Sarah Raymond have been buzzing with excitement these past couple days as staff has been meeting some potential future Rookies! Over the past few days, staff has had the joyful task of screening approximately 75kiddos for the Pre-K program. 🌟 We can confirm, the cuteness levels were off the charts! 😍 These little ones have already brought smiles and laughter to our faces! 🔆 We can't wait to officially welcome these youngsters as they begin their educational journey in D87. Ready, set, grow Rookies! 🚀 #FutureRookies #PreKScreening #WeAreD87

Celebrating Mrs. Laura Bach, Class of 2025 Retiree!🌟 Mrs. Bach, a BHS Freshman Biology and Honors Biology teacher, has served 22 amazing years with D87. Inspired by her teacher parents, she has made a lasting impact as an educator, mentoring over 20 pre-student teachers and hosting 8 student teachers during her tenure. After retirement, she looks forward to spending time with family, walking her dog, traveling, reading, and catching up on movies and shows. Fun fact: Mrs. Bach lost over 100 pounds in the last two years through mindful eating and walking. Feeling as vibrant as she did 35 years ago, she’s excited to fully enjoy retirement! Her parting advice: “Do your best and nothing less! It’s a great day to have a great day!” Thank you, Mrs. Bach, for your dedication to D87. Wishing you all the best in retirement! 🌟

🌟 Attention, Future Raiders! 🌟 Are you or someone you know an incoming Freshman to Bloomington High School? Get ready for an incredible head start with the BHS Raiders 101 program! 🎉 📅 When: July 7th - July 11th, 9 AM - 12 PM 📍 Where: Bloomington High School 🍳 Perks: Free breakfast and lunch daily, plus bussing available! By joining Raiders 101, students will: Tour of the building 🏫 Hear insights about classes from guidance counselors and upperclassmen 👨‍🏫👩‍🏫 Participate in a meaningful Volunteer Day at Epiphany Farms 🌱, enjoy a pool day at the YMCA 🏊‍♂️, and engage in fun group activities such as making birdhouses, team games, and crafts 🎨🕊️ Participants in Raiders 101 are also invited to exclusive catered lunches, exciting field trips, and supportive teacher check-ins during the ’25-’26 school year — all designed to make sure our incoming 9th graders feel welcome, involved, and ready to take on their high school journey. 📚🌟 Don’t miss out on this fabulous opportunity to kick start the BHS experience! #BHSRaiders #Raiders101 #HighSchoolReady #WeAreD87

🎉Summer break has officially kicked off, and two of our educators made their first weekend of summer one to remember! Dan Zummo, Assistant Principal at BJHS, and Kelly Schrems, Social Studies Teacher at BHS, celebrated summer break the best way possible—by getting MARRIED! 💍✨ Dan and Kelly first met while teaching at BHS, where Dan taught math and Kelly social studies, and for three years, they shared the same hallway- the beginning of their love story! After saying "I do," they made a special stop at BHS—the place where their story began. 💜 Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Zummo! The entire D87 community is thrilled for you both and wishes you a lifetime of love and happiness. ❤️ #JustMarried #Congratulations #WeAreD87

🎒✨ Attention Future 6th Graders! Are you ready for junior high life? Get a head start with the Uknighted Program at BJHS! *Explore the building 🏫 *Practice the BJHS daily routine ⏰ *Meet teachers 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫 *Make new friends through fun activities 👫 Program Details: *Dates: July 29, 30, or 31 (a day will be assigned once registered) *Time: 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM *Location: BJHS, 901 N. Colton *Transportation: Buses available 🚌 *Meals: Free breakfast and lunch 🍳🥪 Don't miss out on this chance to kick-start your BJHS adventure! 📝 Register now and get Uknighted for success! 🛡️ #UknightedProgram #BJHS #SixthGradeBound #WeAreD87

🎉 Next up in our class of 2025 retirement series is Mr. Michael Lewis Riley, who has been part of the D87 community for 31 years as a High School English Teacher at BHS. Mr. Riley’s educational journey began at Herscher High School during the 1989/90 school year. Although he took a break from teaching to explore other fields such as paper sales and desktop publishing, his passion for education ultimately drew him back. He became part of the BHS family in 1994, and over the years, he has achieved significant milestones, including earning his Master’s in English in 1999 and obtaining National Board Teaching Certification in 2008. A highlight of his time in D87? Watching all three of his children graduate from BHS!. Post-retirement, Mr. Riley plans to focus on building and refurbishing guitars, contributing his building skills through volunteer work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Furniture for Families. When his wife retires in two years (Julie Riley at BJHS), they’ll hit the road and do lots of traveling together! Fun fact: Did you know Mr. Riley served in the Air Force/Air National Guard for six years? His dedication to service is evident both inside and outside the classroom! And his favorite advice to share (courtesy of Mark Twain)- "Always tell the truth! That way, you don’t have to remember anything." Thank you, Mr. Riley, for the incredible mark you’ve left on BHS and D87- wishing you a happy and relaxing retirement!